Pull together a list of people you trust from your various audiences: customers, suppliers, partners, industry colleagues, team members and managers. Throw your net wide, and choose people who will give you honest feedback. Then ask for it.

Send out an email requesting frank answers to these questions:

What do I (or we) do well – maybe better than anyone else you know?

Where do I (or we) consistently slip up?

Where do I (or we) fall short of what I say I am? (or we say we are?)

If that feels risky, it’s because it is. That’s why we start with getting solid in what went right.

Listening this way takes courage, and it’s worth it. It helps you identify the real gaps your 2019 business strategy needs to fill – the ones that affect the relationships your business is built on.

ACTGrounded in self-awareness and insightful feedback, you’re ready to set your sights on 2019. It’s time for mindful action.

There are a variety of tools that can help with visioning for your business (like SMART Goals, OKRs and Golden Circle). Choose one that works for you and fully engage your team in deploying it. Create a safe container to call forward your team’s most innovative thinking. Then make clear, effective agreements about who will do what in the coming year.

Want to share your experience or get more information? Please contact me. I’d be delighted to exchange ideas with you.

Jennifer Wasmer is the founder of DaySpring Communications, a communication consulting and coaching firm that focuses on the application of Authentic Communication for organizations, teams and individuals. Based on her 25-year career in public relations, corporate communications and coaching, Jennifer developed the Authentic Communication methodology to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, reduce misunderstandings and missed opportunities, and infuse dignity and integrity into relationships with teammates, clients, family and friends. ​